Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 496

“I just thought, since you know way more about the media than he does, maybe you could help me out,” she said, trying her best to sound casual. But Lucas could hear the strain in Sandra’s voice, the way she was trying to hide how upset she really was.

It broke his heart. Sandra had been through hell lately—her reputation in shambles, her family’s company bankrupt, the Taylors all but blacklisted in town. But to Lucas, she was still perfect. His goddess.

If Sandra had done anything wrong, Lucas sure couldn’t see it. No, the one to blame was Camila Davis. That manipulative woman! She and Lucas’s brother were divorced, but she still kept stringing him along. And now, Sandra was the one suffering for it, even though she was the one trying to get to the bottom of things.

Who did Camila think she was, anyway?

Lucas’s blood boiled. Camila might have climbed the social ladder since the divorce, but in his eyes, she was still just a gold-digger, someone who only got ahead by hanging onto powerful men—especially her so-called “mentor.” The internet trolls weren’t wrong about her, Lucas thought bitterly. That “mentor” of hers was probably cut from the same shady cloth.

This wasn’t something that even needed investigating.

He told Sandra, “You know what, Sandra? Don’t waste your energy on that woman. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. If those people were really innocent, why would anyone throw dirt at them? I’d bet good money Eric Morris actually did what they’re saying.”

“And look at the way the news about him keeps getting swept under the rug—no official statement, just a sudden drop in buzz. You can bet that’s them pulling strings behind the scenes.”

Sandra put on an innocent act. “Really? I don’t know much about that stuff.”

Lucas was quick to reassure her. “Absolutely. But don’t worry, I’ll handle it for you.”

“Thanks, Lucas. I really appreciate it,” Sandra said, her tone softening now that she’d gotten what she wanted.

Since Sandra almost never reached out to him, Lucas was extra eager to help this time. As soon as they hung up, he got his people on it.

When his team reported back that someone really was working overtime to keep Eric Morris’s scandal out of the spotlight, Lucas didn’t hesitate—he had The Smith Group, his family’s powerful media empire, crank the story right back up.

The Smith Group was the wealthiest family business in all of Harrisburg. Not even Dennis Williams, with all his connections and influence, could put a stop to them—at least, not right away.

Soon, the online outrage against Eric Morris flared up again. Hashtags like #EricMorrisUnfitForHisRole were trending all over social media, with people demanding answers:

“Why’s Eric Morris hiding and not speaking up? Guilty much?”

“If he’s so innocent, why won’t he make a statement?”

“He got knocked out in that accident, but not so badly he’d still be in a coma, right?”

Nathan quickly got to work and soon uncovered the truth—Lucas had used The Smith Group’s media influence to fan the flames of the Eric Morris scandal.

Jordan scowled. “Why the hell is he meddling in this?”

Nathan shrugged. “Lucas has always done things his own way. I honestly don’t know.”

Jordan let it go for Nathan’s sake and called Lucas himself. “Was it you who used The Smith Group’s media to stir this up online?”

Lucas didn’t even try to deny it. “Yeah, it was me. I’m sick of Camila Davis acting like she owns the place. She’s made things tough for you and Sandra enough times already. I saw a chance to put her in her place, so I took it. If she’s actually innocent, she’ll come to you.”

Jordan didn’t argue. Truth be told, he was still pissed at Camila for everything she’d done since the divorce—especially that recent phone call where she’d chewed him out. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let her sweat a little.

If she came and apologized, maybe then he’d use The Smith Group’s power to clear her name. For now, he just warned Lucas, “The Smith Group isn’t your personal playground. Next time you want to make a move, you run it by me first.”

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